Baker cleared to pitch in games

Working his way back from right elbow tendinitis, Scott Baker fired 47 pitches in a bullpen session Monday and was cleared to make a minor league start Thursday.

Baker will pitch only two innings in that start, but it's conceivable he could build his pitch count enough to make his scheduled regular-season debut April 9.

If all goes well, Baker could pitch three innings Saturday, four innings March 30 and five innings April 4, enabling him to pitch up to six innings in the April 9 home opener against the Angels.

But the Twins have contingency plans in case Baker opens on the disabled list or gets skipped the first time through the rotation. General Manager Terry Ryan said Liam Hendriks, Anthony Swarzak and Matt Maloney are among the pitchers who will be stretched out enough to make a start.

Baker said his elbow feels better and he's determined to avoid the DL. "I don't feel I've missed enough time to where I need to backtrack," he said.

Marquis' hits pile up

Jason Marquis gave up three runs on five hits over four innings in an 8-4 victory over the Red Sox, leaving his ERA at 8.53. He has given up 19 hits in 122/3 innings this spring.

"I made my pitches today, got the results I wanted to, keeping the ball on the ground," the veteran righthander said.